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Learn about the education content specialist’s role in assisting system of care communities, background and experience, contact information, frequently asked questions and requested information, and other technical assistance available from the TA Partnership.
- About the Education Content Specialist
- Common Questions for the Education Content Specialist
- Other Technical Assistance Available
About the Education Content Specialist
Sandra Keenan currently serves as the education Content Specialist for the Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health. She supports system of care grantee communities funded by the Center for Mental Health Services by sharing strategies and resources for addressing the mental health needs of children, youth, and families as a collaborative part of the education system and for effectively partnering with the schools. In this role, she facilitates peer-to-peer networking, coordinates conference presentations and Webinars, and provides technical assistance and training.
Background and Experience
Sandy has over 30 years of experience in special education and school-based support programs for children and youth with emotional and behavioral needs. She has served as the education Content Specialist for the last 8 years for the TA Partnership. In addition, she serves on the leadership team for the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, which support Safe Schools Healthy Students and Project LAUNCH Early Childhood Mental Health Grantees.
Prior to her current position, she served as a special education administrator for 10 years in southern Rhode Island. It was in that role that she participated in the county-based system of care project and supervised the school-based collaborative programs that partnered with mental health. In addition, she served for over 20 years as a leader in regional and national activities for the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. She has written or co-authored many chapters, articles, guides, and monographs on education and systems of care.
Common Questions for the Education Content Specialist
- Partnering with education: understanding the culture, goals, and priorities
- Funding resources for partnering with schools
- Developing a continuum of school-based mental health services
- Coordinating referrals from education
- Integrating system of care supports in existing three-tiered models of intervention
- Engaging families in decision making
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions